*Joseph’s story is told in Matthew 1:16-2:23; Luke 1:26-2:52
Who is Joseph?
Basic Background
- A carpenter by trade
- Descendant of King David
- Resident of Nazareth
- Betrothed to Mary, who becomes the mother of Jesus
Strengths and Accomplishments
Obedience to God’s Will
- Upon learning that Mary was pregnant, Joseph initially planned to divorce her quietly but changed his plan after an angel appeared in a dream to guide him (Matthew 1:19-21).
Protector of His Family
- Took Mary and the infant Jesus to Egypt to escape King Herod’s massacre of infants (Matthew 2:13-15).
Trust in God
- Relied on divine guidance through dreams on multiple occasions (Matthew 1:20-24, 2:13-15, 2:19-23).
Righteousness
- Described as a “righteous man” (Matthew 1:19).
Weaknesses and Mistakes
Initial Doubt and Confusion
- Initially thought to divorce Mary upon discovering she was pregnant, questioning her integrity (Matthew 1:19).
Limited Information
- We don’t know much else about his weaknesses, as the Bible focuses more on his righteous actions and obedience to God.
Lessons from His Life
Importance of Obedience
- Joseph’s obedience to God’s will, even when circumstances were confusing or dangerous, stands as a model for all believers.
Trust in Divine Providence
- His reliance on divine guidance through dreams shows the importance of being receptive to how God speaks to us, sometimes in unconventional ways.
Humble Leadership
- Though a central figure in the upbringing of Jesus, Joseph is not showy or demanding, demonstrating that leadership and guidance can be provided through quiet strength and integrity.
Key Verses (NIV)
- Matthew 1:19: “Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.”
- Matthew 1:24-25: “When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.”
- Matthew 2:13-14: “When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. ‘Get up,’ he said, ‘take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.’ So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt.”